Coal and Water

As Kentuckians, we are intricately tied to the land for our health, economic well-being and identity. We know that what we do to the land, we do to ourselves.

For more than 100 years, the coal industry has polluted our land, water, air and democracy while disrespecting the workers who create its profits. The worst example is mountaintop removal coal mining – which brings utter destruction of our land, the poisoning of our water, the loss of jobs and the theft of hope for future generations.

The mining and burning of coal drains millions of dollars from the state budget and billions of dollars from the people of Kentucky. This has gotten worse in recent years with the layoffs of thousands of miners and coal companies pulling out of the region, leaving behind permanent pollution, health problems and an eroding tax base.

That's why an important part of KFTC's work supports a transition from an unhealthy economy to a more just and sustainable energy economy.

Since our founding in 1981, KFTC members have worked to protect our homeland, demanding that coal companies obey, and the responsible officials enforce, laws designed to protect the people who live in areas where coal is mined.